Pyrrole derivatives as antimycobacterial compounds

ABSTRACT

Novel pyrrole derivatives of formula (I) 
                         
and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts having superior antimycobacterial activity against clinically sensitive as well as resistant strains of  Mycobacterium tuberculosis  as well as having lesser toxicity compared to known compounds. The use of the novel compounds of formula (I) for treatment of latent tuberculosis including Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB). The methods for preparation of the novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel compounds and method of treating MDR TB by administration of compounds of formula (I).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel 3- and/or 4-(4-substituted-piperazinyl)alkyl pyrroles of Formula (I),

and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, possessing excellent antimycobacterial activity against clinically sensitive as well as resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The antimycobacterial activity of the compounds of the present invention are found to be superior to those of previously known compounds. The present invention also relates to use of the novel compounds for treatment of latent tuberculosis including Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB). The invention further relates to methods for preparation of the novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing the said novel compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease, which usually runs a protracted course, ending in death in majority of the cases, with relapse being a common feature of the disease. It is one of the most important causes of prolonged disability and chronic ill health. It is caused by the tubercle bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is comparatively difficult to control. Drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol streptomycin, para-aminosalisylic acid, ethionamide, cycloserine, capreomycin, kanamycin, thioacetazone etc. have been and are being currently used to treat TB. Amongst these, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide are the first-line drugs of choice, which are administrated either as a single drug formulation or as a fixed-dose combination of two or more of the aforesaid drugs.

Even though, each of the abovementioned first-line drug regimen is highly effective for treatment of TB, however, they are associated with shortcomings, such as unpleasant side-effects and relatively long course of treatment. The later one results in non-compliance of the patient to the treatment leading often to failure of the treatment and most importantly, development of drug resistance. The development of drug resistance has long constituted a principal difficulty in treating human tuberculosis. The second-line drugs, on the other hand are less effective, more expensive and more toxic.

It is estimated that in the next twenty years over one billion people would be newly infected with TB, with 35 million people succumbing to the disease (WHO Fact Sheet No. 104, Global Alliance for TB Drug Development—Executive Summary of the Scientific Blueprint for TB Development: http://www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact104.html). With the emergence of HIV related TB, the disease is assuming alarming proportions as one of the killer diseases in the world today.

A major thrust in research on antimycobacterials in the last decade has witnessed the development of new compounds for treatment of the disease,

a) differing widely in structures,

b) having different mode/mechanism of action,

c) possessing favourable pharmacokinetic properties,

d) which are safe and having low incidence of side-effects, and

e) which provide a cost-effective dosage regimen.

Several new class of compounds have been synthesized and tested for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the details of chemistry and biology of which could be found in a recent review by B. N. Roy et. al. in J. Ind. Chem. Soc., April 2002, 79, 320-335 and the references cited therein.

Substituted pyrrole derivatives constitute another class of compounds, which hold promise as antimycobacterial agents. The pyrrole derivatives which have been synthesized and tested for antitubercular as well as non-tubercular activity has been disclosed by:

-   a) D. Deidda et. al. in Antimicrob. Agents and Chemother., November     1998, 3035-3037. This article describes the inhibitory activity     shown by one pyrrole compound, viz. BM 212 having the structure     shown below, against both Mycobacterium tuberculosis including     drug-resistant mycobacteria and some non-tuberculosis mycobacteria.

-   -   The MIC value (μg/ml) against the M. tuberculosis strain 103471         exhibited by BM 212 was 0.70 as against 0.25 found for         isoniazid.

-   b) M. Biava et. al. in J. Med. Chem. Res., 1999, 19-34 have reported     the synthesis of several analogues of BM 212, having the general     formula (The compounds disclosed by M. Biava et. al. in J. Med.     Chem. Res., 1999, 19-34.) shown hereunder

-   -   and the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the compounds against         Candida albicans, Candida sp, Cryptococcus neoformans,         Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, isolates of pathogenic         plant fungi, Herpes simplex virus, both HSV1 and HSV2, M.         tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, M. marinum and M. avium.     -   However, the MIC values (μg/ml) of these compounds against         the M. tuberculosis strain 103471 are found to be inferior to BM         212 and are in the range of 4-16.

-   c) M. Biava et. al. Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett., 1999, 9, 2983-2988.     This article describes the synthesis of pyrrole compounds of formula     (The compounds disclosed by M. Biava et. al. in Bioorg. & Med. Chem.     Lett., 1999, 9, 2983-2988) shown hereunder

-   -   and their respective in vitro activity against M. tuberculosis         and non-tuberculosis species of mycobacteria.     -   However, the MIC values (μg/ml) of these compounds against         the M. tuberculosis strain 103471 are found to be inferior to BM         212 and are in the range of 2-4.

-   d) F. Cerreto et. al. in Eur. J. Med. Chem., 1992, 27, 701-708 have     reported the synthesis of certain 3-amino-1,5-diaryl-2-methylpyrrole     derivatives and their in vitro anti-fungal activity against Candida     albicans and Candida sp. However, there is no report on the activity     of such compounds against M. tuberculosis.

-   e) C. Gillet et. al. in Eur. J. Med. Chem.-Chimica Therapeutica,     March-April 1976, 11(2), 173-181 report the synthesis of several     pyrrole derivatives useful as anti-inflammatory agents and as     anti-allergants.

-   f) R. Ragno et. al., Bioorg. & Med. Chem., 2000, 8, 1423-1432. This     article reports the synthesis and biological activity of several     pyrrole derivatives as well as describes a structure activity     relationship between the said pyrrole compounds and     antimycobacterial activity. The compounds (The compounds disclosed     by R. Rango et. al., Bioorg. & Med. Chem., 2000, 8, 1423-1432)     synthesized and tested by the authors is summarized hereunder

-   -   Y is H, CH₃, OCH₃, CH₂, SO₂, or a group of formula

-   -   wherein,     -   R is H, Cl, C₂H₅, or OCH₃ and R¹ is H, Cl, F, CH₃, or NO₂,     -   A is H or R     -   Z is a group of formula,

-   -   R² is H, Cl, OH, or OCH₃ and R³ is H or Cl

None of the abovementioned disclosures report or suggest the in vivo efficacy including toxicity of any of the compounds described therein against experimental tuberculosis in animal model. Moreover, the higher MIC values of the compounds reported suggest that they may not be very effective in inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the basic object of the present invention to meet the urgent demand, that exists for new antimycobacterial compounds by providing novel pyrrole derivatives which,

a) exhibit significantly greater antimycobacterial activity, than existing drugs,

b) provide safe and specific treatment of Multi Drug Resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), and

c) are useful in treatment of patients who harbour quiescent/latent tuberculosis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) its tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, polymorphs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof

wherein, R₁ is a) C₁-C₄ alkyl, or b) C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or c) C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, or d) trifluoroalkyl, or e) trifluoroalkoxy, or f) hydroxyalkyl R₂ is selected from a group consisting of

-   i) phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2     substituents, each independently selected from the group consisting     of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro,     haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted piperazine,     morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine, or -   ii) hydroxyalkyl, or -   iii) unsubstituted or substituted thiazole, or -   iv) unsubstituted or substituted thiadiazole, or -   v) unsubstituted or substituted pyridine, or -   vi) unsubstituted or substituted naphthalene, or -   vii) NHCOR₆ wherein R₆ is aryl, unsubstituted or substituted     heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl.     R₃ is     -   a) phenyl or substituted phenyl, or     -   b) aryl, or     -   c) unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl.         when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇ wherein         n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from the groups

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy etc.; unsubstituted or substituted benzyl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaroyl; unsubstituted or substituted diphenylmethyl, m=0-2 and X≡NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; such that when R₂ is phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents, each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine and R₄ is hydrogen; R₈ is not C₁-C₄ alkyl, or X is not —NCH₃, S, SO, or SO₂, when m=1, or X is not —CH₂, when m=0.

The above disclosed compound of formula (I), and its various forms including its pharmaceutically acceptable salts are safe and exhibit significantly low toxicity.

Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for synthesis of compound of formula (I) its tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, polymorphs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof comprising:

reacting a compound of formula (V)

wherein R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl,

R₂ is selected from a group consisting of

-   i) phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2     substituents, each independently selected from the group consisting     of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro,     haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted piperazine,     morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine, or -   ii) hydroxyalkyl, or -   iii) unsubstituted or substituted thiazole, or -   iv) unsubstituted or substituted thiadiazole, or -   v) unsubstituted or substituted pyridine, or -   vi) unsubstituted or substituted naphthalene, or -   vii) NHCOR₆ wherein R₆ is aryl, unsubstituted or substituted     heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl.

R₃ is

a) phenyl or substituted phenyl, or

b) aryl, or

c) unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl.

with an amine of formula R₇H, wherein R₇ is selected from the groups

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy etc.; unsubstituted or substituted benzyl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaroyl; unsubstituted or substituted diphenylmethyl, m=0-2 and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂ such that in the compound of formula I thus produced when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇ wherein n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from the groups

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy etc.; unsubstituted or substituted benzyl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaroyl; unsubstituted or substituted diphenylmethyl, m=0-2 and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; such that when R₂ is phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents, each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine and R₄ is hydrogen; R₈ is not C₁-C₄ alkyl, or X is not —NCH₃, S, SO, or SO₂, when m=1, or X is not —CH₂, when m=0.

It yet another further aspect the present inventions provides pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of mycobacterial conditions such as tuberculosis including Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) comprising a) at least one of compound of formula (I), its tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, polymorphs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and b) pharmaceutically acceptable additives.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting/treating the microbial cell/conditions with a compound selected from compound of formula (I), its tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, polymorphs, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts with or without pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The microbial cell/condition can be of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex, Mycobacterium fortuitum or Mycobacterium kansasii.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the pharmaceutically active compound of formula (I) of this invention,

the definition of the groups R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are as follows R₁ is a) C₁-C₄ alkyl, both straight and branched, or b) C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or c) C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, or d) trifluoroalkyl, or e) trifluoroalkoxy, or f) hydroxyalkyl

Suitable alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, iso-propyl, iso-butyl, or tert-butyl. Methyl is preferred.

Suitable alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, iso-propopxy, iso-butoxy, and tert-butoxy.

Suitable thioalkyl groups are thiomethyl, thioethyl, 1-propanethio, 2-propanethio, 1-butanethio, 1-methyl-1-propanethio, and 1-methyl-2-propanethio.

Suitable trifluoroalkyl groups are trifluoromethyl, and trifluoroethyl.

Suitable trifluoroalkoxy groups are trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoroethoxy.

Suitable hydroxyalkyl groups are selected from trifluoromethoxy and trifluoroethoxy,

R₂ is selected from a group consisting of:

-   i) phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2     substituents, each independently selected from the group consisting     of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro,     haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted piperazine,     morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine, or -   ii) hydroxyalkyl, or -   iii) unsubstituted or substituted thiazole, or -   iv) unsubstituted or substituted thiadiazole, or -   v) unsubstituted or substituted pyridine, or -   vi) unsubstituted or substituted naphthalene, or -   vii) NHCOR₆ wherein R₆ is aryl, unsubstituted or substituted     heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl.

The substituted phenyl groups are selected from but not limited to chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoroethoxy etc.

In group R₆, the term heteroaryl refers to any aryl ring containing one or more of heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, whereas the term heterocyclyl refers to any heterocyclic ring systems.

R₃ is,

-   a) Phenyl or substituted phenyl. Suitable substituted phenyl groups     are selected from but not limited to chlorobenzene, bromobenzene,     fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene,     1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene,     1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene,     1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene,     m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl     toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene,     iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene,     1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene,     1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl     toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl     anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol,     1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole,     3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan,     1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol,     1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene,     1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl     bromide, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoroethoxy etc., or -   b) an aryl group, or -   c) an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, as defined     hereinearlier.

R₄ and R₅ are each independently

i) hydrogen, or

ii) a group of formula —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇ wherein n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from the groups

wherein, R₈ is

-   a) phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2     substituents each independently selected from the group consisting     of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro,     amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, wherein the substituents are as     defined hereinearlier, or -   b) unsubstituted or substituted benzyl; unsubstituted or substituted     heteroaryl; unsubstituted or substituted heteroaroyl; unsubstituted     or substituted diphenylmethyl, wherein     -   m=0-2, and     -   X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂.

Furthermore, the compound of formula (I) of this invention includes its pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic, acid addition salts formed with inorganic or organic acids by methods well known in the art. These salts may be used in place of the free bases. Examples of suitable acids for formation of such acid addition salts are maleic, fumaric, benzoic, ascorbic, pamoic, succinic, bismethylene, salicylic, methanesulphonic ethanedisulphonic, acetic, propionic, tartaric, citric, gluconic, aspartic, stearic, palmitic, itaconic, glycolic, p-aminobenzoic, glutamic, benzenesulfinic, phosphoric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids, and the like.

The present invention also includes the possible tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, polymorphs of compound of formula (I), having the same activity.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing compound of formula (I), for the treatment of M. tuberculosis. These compositions comprise an effective amount of compound of formula (I), or its tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or polymorphic forms thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally in the presence of excipients.

Some preferred specific novel compounds No. 1-91 of formula (I) (named according to IUPAC or CAS nomenclature) that form part of this invention are named hereunder:

-   1.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine -   2.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine -   3.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methylphenyl)piperazine -   4.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   5.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine -   6.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazine -   7.     4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyl-2-furyl-ketone -   8.     5-[(4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolane -   9.     4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyloxolan-2-yl-ketone -   10.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(5-chloro-2-methylphenyl)piperazine -   11.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   12.     N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenyl-pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   13.     N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   14.     N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   15.     N-(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-{[4-benzylpiperazinyl]methyl}pyrrolyl)-4-pyridyl-carboxamide -   16.     N-{2-methyl-3-[(4-methylpiperazinyl)methyl]-5-phenylpyrrolyl}-4-pyridyl-carboxamide -   17. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   18.     N-(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(piperidinylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   19.     N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   20.     N-[2-methyl-3-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-5-phenylpyrrolyl]-4-pyridyl-carboxamide -   21.     N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridyl     carboxamide -   22.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   23.     N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   24. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   25.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   26.     N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   27.     N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   28.     N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   29. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolen-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   30.     N-(3-{[4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   31.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   32.     N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   33.     N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenyl     pyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   34.     N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   35.     N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   36.     N-(3-{[4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   37.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   38.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   39.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   40.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   41.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl     pyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   42.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   43.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide -   44.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine -   45.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine -   46.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine -   47.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   48.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-diphenylmethyl)piperazine -   49.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazine -   50.     5-[(4-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]-methyl}-piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolane -   51.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluoro     phenyl)piperazine -   52.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine -   53.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro     methylphenyl)piperazine -   54.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   55.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluoro     phenyl)piperazine -   56.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine -   57.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro     methylphenyl)piperazine -   58.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   59.     1-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine -   60.     1-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methylphenyl)piperazine -   61.     1-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   62.     5-[(4-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolane -   63.     1-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine -   64.     1-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro     methylphenyl)piperazine -   65.     1-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   66.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   67.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   68.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   69.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   70. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   71.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   72.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   73.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   74.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   75. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[-d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   76.     4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine -   77.     4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine -   78.     4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)-methyl]piperazine -   79.     1-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   80.     S-({4-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}     methyl)-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolane -   81.     4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine -   82.     4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine -   83.     4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)-methyl]piperazine -   84.     1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine -   85.     5-({4-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}-methyl)₂H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolane -   86.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-ethylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine -   87. 4-[(2-methyl-1,5-diphenylpyrrol-3-yl)methyl]     1,4-thiazaperhydroin-1-one -   88.     4-[(2-methyl-1,5-diphenylpyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-1,1-dione -   89.     N-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide -   90.     2-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)-pyrrolyl]butan-1-ol -   91.     2-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]butan-1-ol

The above compounds of Formula I their pharmaceutically acceptable acid salts, thereof and the various possible tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides and polymorphs thereof are all found to be pharmaceutically active especially in treatment of mycobacterial conditions such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug resistant, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex, Mycobacterium fortuitum or mycobacterium kansasii.

The pharmaceutically active compounds of formula (I) of this invention can be prepared by any one of the methods given below:

Method-I:

Scheme-I shows the synthesis of compounds of the Formula (I) in which R₁ is CH₃, R₃ designates substituted or unsubstituted phenyl groups and R₂, R₄ and R₅ are as defined earlier. The method comprises condensation compound, R₃H of the formula (II) with acid chloride of formula (II), in the presence of AlCl₃ at a temperature ranging from 20-30° C. for a period varying between 1-2 hours to produce diketones of formula (IV), which on condensation with appropriate amines (R₂—NH₂) followed by cyclisation in the presence of an organic solvent at a temperature ranging between 80-120° C. for a period varying between 2-3 hours gives the corresponding pyrroles of the formula (V), as described by M. Biava et. al. in Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett., 1999, 9, 2983-2988. The compounds of the formula (V) on reaction with various heterocyclic amines (R₇H) in presence of an organic solvent at a temperature ranging from 20-30° C. for a period varying between 2-4 hours afford compounds of formula (I), wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ have the same meanings as defined hereinabove.

The starting acid chlorides of the formula (III) are known in the art and may be synthesized by the procedure described by Bui-Hoi, N. P. in J. Org. Chem., 1960, 25, 390.

Method-II:

In this method, summarized in Scheme-II, methyl ketones of formula (VI) are condensed with α-Bromomethyl ketones of formula (VII), in the presence of a base and an organic solvent at a temperature ranging from 20-30° C. for a period varying between 2-6 days to produce diketones of formula (IV), which on condensation with appropriate amines (R₂—NH₂) followed by cyclisation in the presence of an organic solvent at a temperature ranging between 80-120° C. for a period varying between 2-3 hours give corresponding pyrroles of the formula (V). Reaction of compounds of the formula (V) with various amines (R₇H) in presence of an organic solvent at a temperature ranging from 20-30° C. for period varying between 2-4 hours afford compounds of formula (I), wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ have the same meanings as defined hereinabove.

In the above Schemes, where specific bases, acids, solvents etc., are mentioned, it is to be understood that other acids, bases solvents etc., known to those skilled in the art may also be used. Similarly, the reaction temperature and duration of the reactions may be adjusted according to the desired needs.

While the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, this is for purposes of illustration only. Numerous alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

The following examples demonstrate the general as well as the specific preparation of compounds embodied in formula (I), which, however, should not be construed as to limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE-1 Preparation of 1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methyl phenyl)piperazine (Compound No. 3 of Formula I) as per Method-I Step 1: 1-(4-chlorophenyl)pentane-1,4-dione

To a well stirred suspension of anhydrous aluminium chloride (29.66 g, 0.223 mol) in 154.7 ml of chlorobenzene was added 4-oxopentanoylchloride (25.0 g, 0.187 mol) drop-wise, over a period of 30-35 minutes at room temperature (25-30° C.). The reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 1 hour. After decomposition of the reaction mixture by the addition of solid ice and hydrochloric acid (10 ml) the precipitated solid was filtered and filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporation to remove all the solvents. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (400 ml), washed with water (2×100 ml), brine (100 ml). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The crude product so obtained was chromatographed over silica gel (100-200 mesh) using chloroform-hexane (90:10) as eluent to give 5.3 g (13.60%) of the title compound.

Step-2: 1,2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrrole

A mixture of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)pentane-1,4-dione (5.0 g., 0.024 mol, as obtained in Step-1) and 4-chloroaniline (3.33 g, 0.026 mol) in benzene (5.0 ml) was refluxed either over molecular sieves or using a Dean Stark apparatus. After three hours, benzene was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water (2×100 ml.) and brine (1×50 ml). The ethyl acetate layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and the solvent evaporated off. The solid so obtained was washed with hexane to give 2.83 g (39.45%) of the title compound.

Step-3: 1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoromethyl phenyl)piperazine

To a stirred solution of 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrrole (1.76 g, 0.006 mol, as obtained in Step-2) in acetonitrile (18 ml) was added a mixture of 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (1.55 g, 0.006 mol), 40% formaldehyde (0.45 ml, 0.006 mol) and acetic acid (5.23 ml) drop-wise. After the completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3-4 hours. The reaction mixture was neutralized with NaOH (20% aq. soln.) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 ml). The combined ethyl acetate extract was washed with water (2×50 ml), brine (1×30 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The crude product so obtained was purified by column chromatography over silica gel using ethyl acetate hexane (80:10) as eluent to give 2.1 g (66.24%) of the title compound.

m.p. 165-167° C., MS: m/z 544 (M+1)

¹HNMR (CDCl₃, δ): 2.05 (s, 3H, CH ₃), 2.77 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.31 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.59 (s, 2H, N—CH ₂), 6.34 (s, 1H, H-4), 6.85-7.31 (m, 12H, Ar—-H).

EXAMPLE-2 Preparation of N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide (Compound No. 23 of Formula I) and Preparation of N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide (Compound No. 12 of Formula I) as per Method-I Step 1: 1-(phenyl)pentane-1,4-dione

To a well stirred suspension of anhydrous aluminium chloride (27.0 g, 205.9 mmol) in 126 ml of benzene was added 4-oxopentanoylchloride (23.0 g, 171.6 mmol) drop-wise, over a period of 30-35 minutes at room temperature (25-30° C.). The reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 1 hour. After decomposition of the reaction mixture by the addition of solid ice and hydrochloric acid (10 ml) the precipitated solid was filtered and the filtrate evaporated on a rotary evaporator to remove all the solvents. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (400 ml), washed with water (2×100 ml), brine (100 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The crude product so obtained was chromatographed over silica gel (100-200 mesh) using chloroform as eluent to give 8.6 g (24.07%) of the title compound.

Step-2: N-(5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide

A mixture of 1-(phenyl)pentane-1,4-dione (6.0 g, 28.50 mmol, as obtained in Step-1) and isonicotinic hydrazide (4.30 g, 31.35 mmol) in benzene (6.0 ml) was refluxed by over molecular sieves. After two hours, benzene was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water (2×100 ml) and brine (1×50 ml). The ethyl acetate layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The crude product so obtained was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (100-200 mesh) using 0.2% methanol in chloroform as eluent to give 3.50 g (39.42%) of the title compound.

Step-3: N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenyl pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide (compound No. 23 of Formula I) and N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide (compound No. 12 of Formula I)

To a stirred solution of N-(5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide (0.300 g, 1.083 mmol, as obtained in Step-2) in acetonitrile (5.0 ml) was added a mixture of 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (0.288 g, 1.083 mmol), 40% formaldehyde (0.032 g, 1.083 mmol) and acetic acid (0.09 ml), drop-wise. After the completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was neutralized with sodium hydroxide (20% aq. Soln.) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml). The combined ethyl acetate extract was washed with water (2×25 ml), brine (1×20 ml), and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. TLC of the crude product indicated two spots, which were separated by column chromatography over silica gel (100-200 mesh).

The less polar compound eluted out using 60% ethyl acetate-hexane mixture was obtained in 11.25% (0.060 g) yield and was identified as N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridyl-carboxamide (Compound 23).

m.p. 105-107° C., MS: m/z 520 (M+1)

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 2.14 (s, 3H, CH ₃), 2.49 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.12 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.34 (s, 2H, N—CH ₂), 6.03 (s, 1H, H-3), 6.96-6.99 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.09-7.27 (m, 5H, ArH), 7.40 (d, 2H, J=6 Hz, pyridyl ring), 8.60 (d, 2H, J=6 Hz, pyridyl ring).

The more polar compound eluted out using 80% ethyl acetate-hexane mixture was obtained in 24.34% yield (0.130 g) and was identified as N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide (Compound 12)

m.p. 80-82° C., MS: m/z 520 (M+1)

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 2.13 (s, 3H, CH ₃), 2.60 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₉), 3.18 (bs, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.41 (s, 2H, N—CH ₂), 6.24 (s, 1H, H-4), 6.97-7.03 (4H, m, ArH), 7.22-7.29 (m, 5H, ArH), 7.53 (d, 2H, J=6 Hz, pyridyl ring), 8.50 (br s, 1H, NH D₂O exchangeable), 8.70 (d, 2H, J=6 Hz, pyridyl ring).

EXAMPLE-3 Preparation of 1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-ethylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methylphenyl)piperazine (Compound No. 86 of Formula I) as per Method-II Step 1: 1-(4-chlorophenyl)hexane-1,4-dione

Anhydrous zinc chloride (3.71 g, 27.2 mmol) was placed into a round bottom flask and dried by melting under vacuum at 250-350° C. for 15 minutes. After cooling under vacuum to room temperature, benzene (15 ml.), triethylamine (2.7 ml, 19.42 mmol) and tert-butanol (1.83 ml, 19.42 mmol) were successively added. The mixture was stirred until zinc chloride was fully dissolved (approx. 2 hour) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethan-1-one (3.0 g, 19.42 mmol) and 1-bromobutan-2-one (2.05 g, 13.6 mmol) were successively added. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour and allowed to stand for 4 days at room temperature, and thereafter quenched with 5% aq. sulfuric acid. The organic layer was separated, washed with water (2×50 ml), brine (1×25 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The crude product was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (100-200 mesh) using chloroform as eluent to give 2.30 g (75.63%) of the title compound.

Step-2: 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-5-ethylpyrrole

A mixture of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)hexane-1,4-dione (2.10 g, 9.35 mmol, as obtained in Step-1), 4-chloro aniline (1.31 g, 10.29 mmol), and p-toluene sulfonic acid (0.321 g, 1.80 mmol) in toluene (5.0 ml) was refluxed over molecular sieves or using a Dean Stark apparatus. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and after three hours, toluene was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 ml), washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (2×75 ml), followed by washing with water (2×50 ml) and brine (1×25 ml). The ethyl acetate layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The solid so obtained was washed with hexane to give 2.39 g (81%) of the title compound.

Step-3: 1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-ethylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine

To a stirred solution of 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-5-ethylpyrrole (1.20 g, 3.80 mmol, as obtained in Step-2) in acetonitrile (15 ml.) was added a mixture of 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (1.01 g, 3.80 mmol), 40% formaldehyde (0.114 g, 3.80 mmol) and acetic acid (3.6 ml), drop-wise. After the completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was neutralized with sodium hydroxide (20% aq. solution) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 ml). The combined ethyl acetate extract was washed with water (2×50 ml), brine (1×30 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated off. The crude product so obtained was chromatographed over silica gel using ethyl acetate-hexane (80:10) as eluent to give 1.05 gm (47.22%) of 1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-ethylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methylphenyl)piperazine (Compound No. 86 of Formula I).

MS: m/z 559 (M+1)

¹HNMR (CDCl₃, δ): 1.05 (t, 3H, CH ₃), 2.66 (q, 2H, J=8 Hz, CH2CH3), 2.98-3.10 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.50-3.55 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.94 (s, 2H, N—CH ₂), 6.50 (s, 1H, H-4), 7.20-7.38 (m, 12H, Ar—H).

EXAMPLE-4 Preparation of Hydrochloride Salt of Compound No. 3 of Formula I

The compound No. 3 (1.1 gm) as obtained in Step-3 of Example-1 was dissolved in dichloromethane (3 ml) under stirring. To this mixture 6.43 M HCl-Ethanol (295.22 mg, 8.08 mmoles, 1.3 ml, 4 equivalent) was added drop-wise under stirring at 10° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 2 minutes and was diluted with diethyl ether (10 ml.). Stirring was continued for another 15 minutes at the same temperature. The solvents were evaporated at reduced pressure and solid was dried in vacuum desiccator for 1 hour to give 1.22 g of the title hydrochloride salt.

m.p. 140-142° C.

¹H NMR (DMSOd₆, δ): 2.03 (s, 3H, CH ₃, 3.10 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂), 3.91 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH ₂) 4.17 (s, 2H, N—CH ₂), 6.57 (s, 1H, H-4), 6.91-7.48 (m, 12H, ArH).

EXAMPLE-5 Preparation of Hydrochloride Salt of Compound No. 12 of Formula I

The Compound No. 12 (0.405 g), obtained by Step-3 of Example-2 was dissolved in a mixture of diethyl ether (0.5 ml) and dichloromethane (0.5 ml) under stirring. To this mixture 1.20M HCl-Ethereal (142.35 mg., 3.90 mmoles, 3.25 ml, 5 equivalent) was added drop-wise under stirring at 10° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 2 minutes and was diluted with diethyl ether (10 ml.). Stirring was continued for another 15 minutes at the same temperature. The solvents were evaporated at reduced pressure and solid was dried in vacuum desiccator for 1 hour to give 0.428 g of the title hydrochloride salt.

m.p. 174-176° C.

¹H NMR (DMSO d₆, δ): 2.10 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.15 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH₂), 3.84 (br s, 4H, 2xN—CH₂), 4.13 (s, 2H, N—CH₂), 6.47 (s, 1H, H-4), 7.00-7.38 (m, 8H, ArH), 7.85 (d, 2H, J=6 Hz, pyridyl ring), 8.76 (d, 2H, J=6 Hz, pyridyl ring).

An illustrative list of the compounds of the invention which were synthesized by one or more of the above described methods is now given below.

EXAMPLE-6

By utilization of the procedure described in Examples 1-3, Compound Nos. 1-2, 4-11, 13-22, 24-85, and 87-91 of Formula I were prepared having characteristics detailed hereunder:

-   1.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazine;     m.p. 193-195° C., MS: m/z 494 (M+1) -   2.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 140-142° C., MS: m/z 506 (M+1) -   4.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     m.p. 152-154° C., MS: m/z 477 (M+1) -   5.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine;     m.p. 184-186° C., MS: m/z 478 (M+1) -   6.     1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazine;     m.p. 188-190° C., MS: m/z 566 (M+1) -   7.     4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyl     2-furylketone; m.p. 84-86° C., MS: m/z 494 (M+1) -   8.     5-[(4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d]1,3-dioxolane;     m.p. 135-137° C., MS: m/z 534 (M+1) -   9.     4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyloxolan-2-yl-ketone;     m.p. 150-152° C., MS: m/z 498 (M+1) -   10.1-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(5-chloro-2-methylphenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 156-158° C., MS: m/z 524 (M+1) -   11.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 98-100° C., MS: m/z 470 (M+1) -   13.     N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 125-128° C., MS: m/z 482 (M+1) -   14.     N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridyl     carboxamide; m.p. 93-95° C., MS: m/z 453 (M+1) -   15.     N-(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-{[4-benzylpiperazinyl]methyl}pyrrolyl)-4-pyridyl     carboxamide; m.p. 87-89° C., MS: m/z 466 (M+1) -   16.     N-{2-methyl-3-[(4-methylpiperazinyl}methyl}-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridyl-carboxamide;     thick oil, MS: m/z 390 (M+1) -   17. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 95-97° C., MS: m/z 510 (M+1) -   18.     N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(piperidinylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 98-100° C., MS: m/z 376 (M+1) -   19.     N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 72-73° C., MS: m/z 361 (M+1) -   20.     N-[2-methyl-3-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-5-phenylpyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 160-162° C., MS: m/z 377 (M+1) -   21.     N-(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridyl     carboxamide m.p. 87-89° C., MS: m/z 393 (M+1) -   22.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 98-99° C., MS: m/z 470 (M+1) -   24. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[-d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 96-98° C., MS: m/z 510 (M+1) -   25.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 80-82° C., MS: m/z 471 (M+1) -   26.     N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 76-78° C., MS: m/z 483 (M+1) -   27.     N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenyl-pyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 83-85° C., MS: m/z 521 (M+1) -   28.     N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 119-121° C., MS: m/z 454 (M+1) -   29. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 186-188° C., MS: m/z 511 (M+1) -   30.     N-(3-{[4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 91-93° C., MS: m/z 543 (M+1) -   31.     N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 200-202° C., MS: m/z 471 (M+1) -   32.     N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 74-76° C., MS: m/z 483 (M+1) -   33.     N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 231-233° C., MS: m/z 521 (M+1) -   34.     N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-yl     carboxamide; m.p. 208-210° C., MS: m/z 454 (M+1) -   35. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[-d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 81-83° C., MS: m/z 511 (M+1) -   36.     N-(3-{[4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 95-97° C., MS: m/z 543 (M+1) -   37.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 110-112° C., MS: m/z 505 (M+1) -   38.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 100-102° C., MS: m/z 517 (M+1) -   39.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 96-98° C., MS: m/z 555 (M+1) -   40.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl     pyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide; m.p. 104-106° C., MS: m/z 488     (M+1) -   41.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl     pyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide; m.p. 202-204° C., MS: m/z 505     (M+1) -   42.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-pyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 96-98° C., MS: m/z 517 (M+1) -   43.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide;     m.p. 226-228° C., MS: m/z 555 (M+1) -   44.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 132-134° C., MS: m/z 496 (M+1) -   45.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 65-67° C., MS: m/z 508 (M+1) -   46.1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 112-114° C., MS: m/z 546 (M+1) -   47.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     m.p. 124-126° C., MS: m/z 479 (M+1) -   48.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4(4-diphenylmethyl)piperazine;     m.p. 70-72° C., MS: m/z 568 (M+1) -   49.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazine;     m.p. 76-78° C., MS: m/z 568 (M+1) -   50.     5-[(4-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d]1,3-dioxolane;     thick oil MS: m/z 536 (M+1) -   51.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluoro-phenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 140-142° C., MS: m/z 462 (M+1) -   52.     1-{1-[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 64-66° C., MS: m/z 474 (M+1) -   53.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methylphenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 122-124° C., MS: m/z 512 (M+1) -   54.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)-piperazine;     m.p. 144-146° C., MS: m/z 445 (M+1) -   55.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(4-fluoro     phenyl)piperazine; thick oil, MS: m/z 462 (M+1) -   56.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine; m.p. 60-62° C., MS: m/z 474 (M+1) -   57.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro     methylphenyl)piperazine; thick oil, MS: m/z 512(M+1) -   58.     1-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     thick oil, MS: m/z 445(M+1) -   59.     1-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine; m.p. 65-67° C., MS: m/z 522 (M+1) -   60.     1-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro-methylphenyl)piperazine;     m.p. 68-70° C., MS: m/z 560 (M+1) -   61.     1-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     m.p. 68-70° C., MS: m/z 493 -   62.     5-[(4-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d]1,3-dioxolane;     m.p. 70-72° C., MS: m/z 550 (M+1) -   63.     1-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-methoxy     phenyl)piperazine; thick oil, MS: nm/z 522 (M+1) -   64.     1-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(3-trifluoro     methylphenyl)piperazine; m.p. 78-80° C., MS: m/z 560 (M+1) -   65.     1{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     thick oil, MS: m/z 493 (M+1) -   66.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 78-80° C., MS: m/z 504 (M+1) -   67.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide; m.p. 175-177° C., MS: m/z 516 (M+1) -   68.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 119-121° C. MS: m/z 554 (M+1) -   69.     N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     thick oil, MS: m/z 487 (M+1) -   70. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-(4-chloro     phenyl)-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide; m.p. 69-71° C., MS:     m/z 544 (M+1) -   71.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 70-72° C., MS: m/z 504 (M+1) -   72.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl     pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide; m.p. 92-94° C., MS: m/z 516 (M+1) -   73.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 144-146° C., MS: m/z 554 (M+1) -   74.     N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     thick oil, MS: m/z 487 (M+1) -   75. N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[-d]     1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 65-67° C., MS: m/z 544 (M+1) -   76.     4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine;     m.p. 126-128° C., MS: m/z 427 (M+1) -   77.     4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine;     m.p. 92-94° C., MS: m/z 439 (M+1) -   78.     4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine;     m.p. 106-108° C., MS: m/z 477 (M+1) -   79.     1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     m.p. 128-130° C., MS: m/z 410 (M+1) -   80.     5-({4-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}methyl)-2H-benzo[d]1,3-dioxolane;     thick oil, MS: m/z 467 (M+1) -   81.     4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine;     thick oil, MS: m/z 427 (M+1) -   82.     4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine;     m.p. 120-122° C., MS: m/z 439 (M+1) -   83.     4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine;     thick oil, MS: m/z 477 (M+1) -   84.     1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-4-(2-pyridyl)piperazine;     thick oil, MS: m/z 410 (M+1) -   85.     5-({4-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}methyl)-2H-benzo[d]1,3-dioxolane;     thick oil, MS: m/z 467 (M+1) -   87.     4-[(2-methyl-1,5-diphenylpyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-1,4-thiazaperhydroin-1-one;     m.p. 135-137° C., MS: m/z 365 (M+1) -   88.     4-[(2-methyl-1,5-diphenylpyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-1,4-thiazaperhydroin-1,1-dione;     m.p. 140-142° C., MS: m/z 381 (M+1) -   89.     N-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide;     m.p. 220-222° C., MS: m/z 427 (M+1) -   90.     2-[3-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]butan-1-ol;     m.p. 102-104° C., MS: m/z 375 (M+1) -   91.     2-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]butan-1-ol;     m.p. 90-92° C., MS: m/z 345 (M+1)     Microbiology:     Pharmacological Testing

The ability of the compounds of the invention to display antimycobacterial activity can be assessed by growth inhibition assays BACTEC 460 TB System and in vitro agar dilution method as shown in the examples given below.

In vitro growth inhibition and agar dilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) described below indicated that compound of formula (I) of present invention possesses significantly lower MIC values against strains of M. tuberculosis, M. avium, M. fortiutum, and M. kansasii. The compound (I) of the present invention also inhibits the growth of drug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. Further, the examples given below describe a method to treat experimental tuberculosis in mice. The compounds of the present invention induced better protection at lower doses in comparison to known drugs such as Isoniazid. The compounds can be orally administered in pharmaceutical compositions.

In Vitro Growth Inhibition Assay

The ability of the compounds of present invention to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium species was determined by the BACTEC 460 TB system. The reference strain M. tuberculosis H₃₇Rv ATCC 27294 was grown in Middlebrook 7H9 broth containing 10% ADC supplement at 37° C. on a rotary shaker at 150 rpm for 7 days. The turbidity of the culture was adjusted to 1.0 Mc farland. The Middlebrook 7H12B medium vials were seeded with 0.1 ml of the 1.0 Mc farland adjusted M. tuberculosis culture. In the control vials 0.1 ml of the culture was added after 100 fold dilution of the initial inoculum. Stock solution of 1 mg/ml of each compound was prepared in DMSO in separate sterile tubes. The compounds were further diluted to concentration of 25 μg/100 □l. 0.1 ml was than added to the 7H12B vial containing mycobacterial culture so that final concentration of the compound is 6.25 μg/ml. The cap in all the vials were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and kept in racks. The vials were then incubated at 37° C. without shaking. Test vials was read daily on the BACTEC system till the GI of the control vial reached >30. Once the GI in the control reached 30 ΔGI (GI=GI_((n))−GI_((n−1))) was determined for all test and control vials. If ΔGI of test vial is less than that of the control vial the culture was sensitive to the test compound.

Table-I gives the in vitro activity observed for the compound of formula (I) against sensitive and resistant strains of M. tuberculosis.

TABLE I Growth inhibition MIC (μg/ml) against Sr Compound of M. tuberculosis M. tuberculosis Clinical isolates No. No. 27294 27294 Sensitive Resistant 01 1 + 0.5 0.5-2.0 2.0-4.0 02 89 + 1.0 2.0-8.0 4.0-8.0 03 6 − ND 04 2 + 0.25 0.125-0.25  0.25-1.0  05 4 + 0.5 0.25-1.0  0.5-4.0 06 7 + 4.0 1.0-4.0 2.0-4.0 07 8 + 1.0 0.5-1.0 1.0-4.0 08 10 + 1.0 1.0-2.0 1.0-4.0 09 3 + 0.125 0.125-0.25  0.25-0.5  10 9 − ND 11 5 + 0.25 0.5-1.0 0.5-2.0 12 21 + 0.5 0.5-1.0 1.0-4.0 13 87 + 8.0  8.0-16.0  8.0->16.0 14 88 + 0.5 1.0-4.0 2.0-8.0 15 14 + 4.0 4.0-8.0 4.0-8.0 16 90 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 17 91 + 4.0 4.0-8.0  8.0->16.0 18 13 + 0.5 0.5-2.0 1.0-2.0 19 22 + 2.0 2.0-4.0  2.0-4..0 20 11 + 1.0 0.5-1.0 0.5-2.0 21 23 + 0.25 0.25-1.0  0.25-1.0  22 12 + 0.25 0.25-0.5  0.5-1.0 23 46 + 2.0 2.0-4.0  4.0-16.0 24 48 + >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 25 47 + 0.25 0.25-1.0  1.0-4.0 26 44 + 1.0 1.0-2.0 2.0-4.0 27 45 + 0.5 0.5-2.0  4.0->16.0 28 50 + 2.0 2.0-4.0  4.0-16.0 29 24 + 8.0  4.0->16.0  4.0->16.0 30 17 + 2.0 2.0-4.0 4.0-8.0 31 18 − ND 32 19 − 16.0  8.0->16.0 >16.0 33 20 + 2.0 1.0-4.0 4.0-8.0 34 16 + 2.0 2.0-4.0  4.0-16.0 35 15 + 0.5 0.5-1.0 4.0-8.0 36 60 + 4.0 2.0-8.0  4.0-16.0 37 62 + >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 38 25 + 2.0 2.0-4.0  4.0 39 32 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 40 26 + 1.0  2.0  4.0-16.0 41 33 + 2.0 2.0-8.0 4.0-8.0 42 27 + 2.0 1.0-4.0  8.0 43 36 + 0.5 0.5-1.0 1.0-4.0 44 30 + 2.0 2.0-4.0  4.0-16.0 45 34 + 16.0 16.0-16.0 >16.0 46 28 − 2.0 1.0-4.0  4.0-16.0 47 35 + >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 48 29 + >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 49 41 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 50 37 − 16.0   8-16.0   16->16.0 51 43 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 52 39 + 4.0 4.0-8.0  8.0->16.0 53 42 + 8.0  8.0  8.0->16.0 54 38 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 55 55 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 56 51 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 57 56 + 8.0  8.0  8.0-16.0 58 52 + 8.0  8.0  8.0-16.0 59 57 + >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 60 53 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 61 58 + 8.0  8.0  8.0-16.0 62 54 + 2.0  4.0  4.0 63 64 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 64 61 + 4.0 4.0-8.0 4.0-8.0 65 59 − >16.0 >16.0 >16.0 66 63 + 8.0 4.0-8.0  4.0-16.0 67 Isoniazid + 0.25 0.125-0.25   8.0->16.0 68 Rifampin + 0.25   0.25  4.0-16.0

Table-II gives the MIC values of compound of formula (I) against different species of Mycobacteria.

TABLE II MIC (μg/ml) M. tuberculosis Sr. Compound Sensitive Resistant M. aviumintracellulare M. fortuitum M. kansasii No No. (n = 17) (n = 26) complex (n = 13) (n = 8) (n = 2) 1 2 0.125-0.25 0.25-1.0  4.0-8.0 8.0-16.0 8.0 2 3 0.125-0.25 0.25-0.5  4.0-8.0 4.0-8.0  4.0 3 5  0.5-1.0 1.0-2.0 4.0-8.0 8.0-16.0 8.0 4 Isoniazid 0.25  8.0->16.0  8.0->16.0 >16.0 >16.0 n: Number of strains tested In Vitro Agar Dilution Assay:

MIC of compounds against strains of Mycobacterium were determined by a reference agar dilution method as per the NCCLS-M24-T2 recommendations. The compounds were dissolved in DMSO and diluted twofold to obtain ten serial dilutions of each compound. Appropriate volume of compounds were incorporated into duplicate plates of Middlebrook 7H10 agar medium supplemented with 10% Middlebrook supplement oleic acid-albumin-dextrose catalase (OADC) enrichment at concentration of 0.03 μg/ml to 16 μg/ml. Test organisms (Mycobacterium strains) were grown in Middle brook 7H9 broth containing 0.05% Tween-80 and 10% ADC supplement. After 7 days of incubation at 37° C. the broths were adjusted to the turbidity of 1.0 McFarland standard; the organism were further diluted 10 fold in sterile saline containing 0.10% Tween-80. The resulting mycobacterial suspensions were spotted (3-5 □l/spot) onto drug supplemented 7H10 media plates. The plates were sealed and incubated at 37° C. for 3-4 weeks in upright position. The MIC was recorded as the highest dilution of the drug that completely inhibited the growth of test organisms. Test isolates included 10 clinical isolates that were generally susceptible to common antitubercular agents and 10 strains that were resistant to one or more standard anti tubercular drugs. Appropriate reference strains and control drug was included in each batch of test.

In Vivo Studies

The efficacy of the compounds of present invention was also evaluated in murine model of pulmonary tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇Rv cultures grown in Middle brook 7H9 broth containing 0.05% Tween-80 and 10% ADC supplement at 37° C. for 7 days on a rotary shaker at 150 rpm. For, animal inoculation liquid cultures were declumped by brief sonication and were diluted appropriately in 7H9 broth to obtain a concentration of 1×10⁷ CFU's/0.2 ml. Four-week-old male outbred Swiss albino mice housed in a pathogen free, biosafety level 3 environments within microisolator cages were used throughout the study. Infections were produced by intravenous inoculation of 0.2 ml of declumped M. tuberculosis H₃₇R_(v) suspension into caudal tail vein. Following infection mice were randomly distributed in different groups of six each.

Treatment for initial study started 1 day after infection. For the treatment, the compound No 3 was dissolved and diluted in 50% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400), Isoniazid was dissolved in sterile water. The drugs were prepared each morning prior to administration. Therapy was given 5 days a week for four weeks. All the agents were administered by gavage and were dosed at 50, 25, 12.5 mg/kg of body weight. Control group of infected but untreated mice were killed at the initiation of therapy (early control) or at the end of the treatment period (late control). Mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 3-5 days after the administration of the last dose of drug. Target organs i.e. spleen and right lung were removed aseptically and homogenized in tissue homogenizer. At least 4 serial tenfold dilution of the homogenate was made in 7H9 broth and plated onto selective Middlebrook 7H11 agar plates in duplicate. The colony counts were recorded after incubation at 37° C. for 4 weeks. The viable cell counts were converted to Log10 values. A compound showing 2 log10 reduction in viable counts compared to the early controls was considered significant.

The in vivo activity of compound No. 3 of formula (I) against M. tuberculosis H₃₇R_(v) ATCC 27294^(a) infection in Swiss albino mice is summarized in Table-III

TABLE III Mean Log10 Mean Log10 no. of Sr. Drug & Dose^(b) No. of CFU reduction^(c) No. (mg/kgday⁻¹) or group Lung Spleen Lung Spleen 1 Compound No. 3   50 mg/kg 1.97 1.94 2.51 2.64   25 mg/kg 2.13 2.07 2.35 2.29 12.5 mg/kg 2.63 2.6 1.85 2.03 2 Isoniazid   50 mg/kg 1.95 2.12 2.53 2.51   25 mg/kg 2.16 2.21 2.36 2.27 12.5 mg/kg 2.93 2.91 1.55 1.72 3 Infected early control 4.48 4.63 4 Infected late control 6.68 6.67 ^(a)inoculation of 10⁷ cfu/mouse ^(b)mice were dosed 5 day/week for 4 week. From day 1-28 ^(c)difference in mean log10 number CFU from that of early controls

The in vivo efficacy of Compound No. 12 of formula (I) against M. tuberculosis H₃₇Rv ATCC 27294^(a) infection in mice model treated 14 days post-infection and its comparison with isoniazid is summarized in Table-IV.

TABLE IV Drug & Dose^(b) Mean Log10 no. Sr. (mg/kgday⁻¹) Mean Log10 No. of CFU of reduction^(c) No. or group Lung Spleen Lung Spleen 1 Compound No. 12   50 mg/kg 2.74 + 0.36 2.78 + 0.32 2.85 3.17   25 mg/kg 2.87 + 0.15 2.83 + 0.29 2.72 3.12 12.5 mg/kg 4.18 + 0.38 4.41 + 0.26 1.41 1.54 2 Isoniazid   50 mg/kg 2.97 + 0.46 2.89 + 0.27 2.62 3.06   25 mg/kg 3.19 + 0.6  3.08 + 0.44 2.4 2.87 12.5 mg/kg 4.56 + 0.24 4.93 + 0.42 1.03 1.02 3 Infected early 5.59 + 0.29 5.95 + 0.42 control 4 Infected late control 7.3 + 0.2 7.27 + 0.42 ^(a)inoculation of 10⁷ cfu/mouse ^(b)mice were dosed 5 day/week for 4 week. From day 1-28 ^(c)difference in mean log10 number CFU from that of early controls

The in vivo efficacy of Compound No. 3 of formula (I) against M. tuberculosis (Resistant strain)^(a) treated 01 day post-infection in mice model and its comparison with isoniazid is summarized in Table-V.

TABLE V Mean Log10 Drug & Dose^(b) No. of Sr. (mg/kgday⁻¹) Mean Log10 No. of CFU reduction^(c) No. or group Lung Spleen Lung Spleen 1 Compound No. 3   50 mg/kg 1.99 + 0.3  1.97 + 0.4  2.48 2.66   25 mg/kg  2.3 + 0.17  2.2 + 0.31 2.17 2.43 12.5 mg/kg 2.98 + 0.5  2.91 + 0.4  1.49 1.72 2 Isoniazid   50 mg/kg 4.43 + 0.5   4.7 + 0.31 0.04 −0.07   25 mg/kg 5.12 + 0.6  5.43 + 0.5  −0.65 −0.8 12.5 mg/kg 5.8 + 0.4 5.79 + 0.4  −1.33 −1.16 3 Infected early 4.47 + 0.31 4.63 + 0.21 control 4 Infected late control 6.39 + 0.5  6.23 + 0.21 ^(a)inoculation of 10⁷ cfu/mouse ^(b)mice were dosed 5 day/week for 4 week. From day 1-28 ^(c)difference in mean log10 number CFU from that of early controls

The in vivo efficacy of Compound No 12 of formula (I) against M. tuberculosis H₃₇ Rv ATCC 27294^(a) treated 01 day post-infection in mice model and its comparison with isoniazid is summarized in Table-VI.

TABLE VI Mean Log10 Drug & Dose^(b) Mean Log10 No. of No. of Sr. (mg/kgday⁻¹) CFU reduction^(c) No. or group Lung Spleen Lung Spleen 1 Compound No. 12   50 mg/kg 1.89 + 0.24 1.94 + 0.23 2.68 2.75   25 mg/kg  2.1 + 0.24 2.13 + 0.28 2.47 2.56 12.5 mg/kg 2.34 + 0.18 2.26 + 0.21 2.23 2.43 2 Isoniazid   50 mg/kg 2.02 + 0.31 2.07 + 0.33 2.55 2.62   25 mg/kg 2.23 + 0.33 2.21 + 0.44 2.34 2.48 12.5 mg/kg 2.89 + 0.27 2.91 + 0.42 1.68 1.78 3 Infected early 4.57 + 0.2  4.69 + 0.21 — control 4 Infected late control 6.39 + 0.5   6.2 + 0.32 — ^(a)inoculation of 10⁷ cfu/mouse ^(b)mice were dosed 5 day/week for 4 week. From day 1-28 ^(c)difference in mean log10 number CFU from that of early controls

While, the present invention has been described in terms of its specific embodiments, certain modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Acute Toxicity Study in Mice

Compound No. 3 of formula (I) was administered, as a single oral dose, in Swiss albino mice. Two dose levels of 500 and 2000 mg/kg were employed. The mice were observed for 14 days. No clinical symptom or mortality was observed. The mice were sacrificed on day 15 but no pathological changes were seen in any organ. Therefore LD₀ was >2000 mg/kg by oral route in mice. Reported LD₅₀ of INH (Isoniazid) is 139 mg/kg in mice by oral route. Similarly in compound No. 12 of Formula I, LD₀ was >500 mg/kg by oral route in mice. 

1. A compound of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof

wherein: R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; R₂ is pyridine or NHCOR₆, wherein R₆ is pyridyl; R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl; R₄ and R₅ are H or —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇; when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇, wherein n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy; benzyl or benzyl substituted with 3,4-methylenedioxy; heteroaryl; heteroaroyl; diphenylmethyl; m=0-2; and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; further wherein: when R₂ is pyridine, R₇ is:

wherein R₈ is as defined above.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is: N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenyl-pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-{[4-benzylpiperazinyl]methyl}pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-{2-methyl-3-[(4-methylpiperazinyl)methyl]-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolen-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-S-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(piperidinylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenyl pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-methyl-pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methyl-pyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-(4-chloro phenyl)-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide, 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine, 4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine, 4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine, 4-(2-pyridyl)-1-[2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-piperazine, 5-({4-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}methyl)-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolane, 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine, 4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine, 4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazine, 1-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]-4-(2-pyridyl)-piperazine, 5-({4-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}methyl)-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolane, N-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-3-(1,4-thiazaperhydroin-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolyl]-4-pyridyl carboxamide, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of formula (I)

wherein: R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; R₂ is pyridine or NHCOR₆, wherein R₆ is pyridine; R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl; R₄ and R₅ are H or —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇; when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇, wherein n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy; benzyl or benzyl substituted with 3,4-methylenedioxy; heteroaryl; heteroaroyl; diphenylmethyl; m=0-2; and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; further wherein: when R₂ is pyridine, R₇ is:

wherein R₈ is as defined above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 3 comprising a solid or liquid preparation.
 5. The composition of claim 3, the composition being for oral or parenteral administration.
 6. A method of inhibiting the growth of a microbial cell comprising contacting the microbial cell with a compound of formula (I):

wherein: R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; R₂ is pyridine or NHCOR₆, wherein R₆ is pyridine; R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl; R₄ and R₅ are H or —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇; when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇, wherein n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy; benzyl or benzyl substituted with 3,4-methylenedioxy; heteroaryl; heteroaroyl; diphenylmethyl; m=0-2; and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; further wherein: when R₂ is pyridine, R₇ is:

wherein R₈ is as defined above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the microbial cell is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug resistant M. tuberculosis, M. aviumintracellulare complex, M. fortuitum, M. kansasii, or mixture thereof.
 8. A method of reducing the population of mycobacteria in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an antimycobacterial effective amount of a compound of formula (I):

wherein: R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; R₂ is pyridine or NHCOR₆, wherein R₆ is pyridine; R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl; R₄ and R₅ are H or 4-CH₂)_(n)—R₇; when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇, wherein n=1-3 and R₇ is selected from

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy; benzyl or benzyl substituted with 3,4-methylenedioxy; heteroaryl; heteroaroyl; diphenylmethyl; m=0-2; and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; further wherein: when R₂ is pyridine, R₇ is:

wherein R₈ is as defined above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the mammal suffers from tuberculosis.
 10. A process for preparing a compound of formula (I) comprising

reacting a compound of formula (V)

wherein: R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl, R₂ is pyridine or NHCOR₆, wherein R₆ is pyridyl; and R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl; with an amine of formula R₇H, wherein R₇ is

wherein R₈ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with 1-2 substituents each independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, nitro, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy; benzyl or benzyl substituted with 3,4-methylenedioxy; heteroaryl; heteroaroyl; diphenylmethyl, m=0-2 and X=—NCH₃, CH₂, S, SO, or SO₂; such that in the compound of formula I thus produced: when one of R₄ and R₅ is H, the other is —(CH₂)_(n)—R₇; and when R₂ is pyridine, R₇ is:

wherein R₈ is as defined above; in an aprotic polar solvent in presence of acetic acid.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the compound of formula (V) is prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IV)

wherein: R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; and R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl; with an amine of formula R₂ NH₂, wherein R₂ is pyridine or HCOR₆, wherein R₆ is aryl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl; in a suitable organic solvent, wherein the reaction is effected by removal of water molecule in presence of molecular sieves or para-toluenesulfonic acid or mixtures thereof.
 12. A process according to claim 11, wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by reacting compound of formula (II) R₃—H  (II) wherein R₃ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene. 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxybenzene, and trifluoroethoxybenzene; with a compound of formula (III)

wherein R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; in presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride.
 13. The process of claim 11, wherein the compound of formula (IV) is prepared by reacting compound of formula (VI)

wherein R₃ is phenyl or substituted phenyl, with a compound of formula (VII)

wherein R₁ is C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ thioalkoxy, trifluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkoxy or, hydroxyalkyl; in presence of anhydrous zinc chloride, triethyl amine and tert butanol in benzene.
 14. The method of claim 6, wherein the microbial cell is drug resistant.
 15. The method of claim 6, wherein the compound of formula (I) is provided with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 16. The method of claim 6, wherein the compound of formula (I) is provided with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 17. A compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein the compound is: 5-[(4-{[1,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolane; N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolen-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide; N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolen-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide; N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolen-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}}-2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide; N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}}-5-methyl-2-phenylpyrrolyl)pyrazin-2-ylcarboxamide; 5-[(4-{[1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}piperazinyl)methyl]-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolene; 5-[(4-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-naphthylpyrrol-3-yl]methyl}-piperazinyl)methyl]2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolene; N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolen-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridylcarboxamide; N-(3-{[4-(2H-benzo[3,4-d]1,3-dioxolan-5-ylmethyl)piperazinyl]methyl}-2-(4-chloro phenyl)-5-methylpyrrolyl)-4-pyridyl carboxamide; 5-({4-[(2-methyl-5-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-ylmethyl]piperazinyl}methyl)-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolane; 5-({4-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-1-(2-pyridyl)pyrrol-3-yl)methyl]piperazinyl}-methyl)-2H-benzo[d] 1,3-dioxolane; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 18. The compound of claim 1, wherein when R₃ is substituted phenyl the substituted phenyl is selected from the group consisting of chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxybenzene, and trifluoroethoxybenzene.
 19. The composition of claim 3, wherein when R₃ is substituted phenyl the substituted phenyl is selected from the group consisting of chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxybenzene, and trifluoroethoxybenzene.
 20. The method of claim 6, wherein when R₃ is substituted phenyl the substituted phenyl is selected from the group consisting of chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxybenzene, and trifluoroethoxybenzene.
 21. The method of claim 8, wherein when R₃ is substituted phenyl the substituted phenyl is selected from the group consisting of chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxybenzene, and trifluoroethoxybenzene.
 22. The process of claim 10, wherein when R₃ is substituted phenyl the substituted phenyl is selected from the group consisting of chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, fluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, 2-ethyl toluene, 3-ethyl toluene, 4-ethyl toluene, propyl benzene, cumene, butyl benzene, sec-butyl benzene, iso-butyl benzene, tert-butyl benzene, o-cymene, m-cymene, p-cymene, 1,2-diethyl benzene, 1,3-diethyl benzene, 1,4-diethylbenzene, 1,3-di-tert-butyl benzene, 1,4-di-tert-butyl benzene, 4-tert butyl toluene, anisole, 2-methyl anisole, 3-methyl anisole, 4-methyl anisole, 1,2-benzenedimethanol, 1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1,4-benzenedimethanol, 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 2-ethoxyanisole, 3,5-diethoxytoluene, benzylmercaptan, phenethylmercaptan, 1,2-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,3-benzenedimethanethiol, 1,4-benzenedimethanethiol, nitrobenzene, 1,2-dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, trifluoromethoxybenzene, and trifluoroethoxybenzene. 